| Abstract [eng] |
Advances of IT are creating more opportunities for distance learning, and in the context of life-long learning, more adults are learning new skills. Language training is one of the fastest growing areas of learning because, in a global world, language is a necessity not only in work and academic fields but also in personal life. Adult learning is considered one of the main factors determining the progress of the education system and the norm of a developed society. With the pandemic, most courses have moved online. This increased the use of information technology and encouraged learning about information technology management, even for those who used it less before the pandemic. Thus, the necessity has turned into a daily tool, and more and more people are preferring distance learning. This paper examines the use of information technologies in distance language courses in groups. The paper reviewed the problems of distance learning in groups and the possibilities of making the management and administration of the courses more efficient. The analysed literature revealed that the completion rate in mass open online courses is very low and is only 15-40 per cent of all those who registered or purchased the courses. While in distance language training in a group with a teacher, the completion rate reaches 80-90 per cent. These data reveal that the teacher's participation and communication with learners is an important factor. It maintains motivation during the courses and helps complete them successfully. In the research on learners' needs, it was found that although the learners are satisfied with the system used in the course, the creation of a system where everything can be found in one place would make learning more efficient. Considering the needs of the course organiser, the need for a more efficient course management and administration system has been identified. The course management and administration system in “Wix” was designed and implemented for administration of the courses. Course administration is more efficient, most functions are performed automatically: registration, payment, login, invoicing, generation and sending of graduation documents, and appointment booking. When planning the continuity of the project, it is planned to expand the variety of services by creating more courses and various educational materials. By installing the English and Spanish versions of the website and the creation of a mobile app, services will be better known not only in Lithuania but also abroad. |
